Caroline Leonardelli

Caroline Leonardelli is a French-Canadian harpist known for her orchestral, choral, chamber, pedagogical, and recorded work.

Caroline began to study the classical harp in France at the age of seven as a student at the Paris Conservatory and with Lily Laskine and Jacqueline Borot, where she graduated with first prize in harp at age of 18. After arriving in Canada, Caroline continued her studies with Judy Loman at the Schulich School of Music at McGill University.

Caroline is well known throughout Canada as an accomplished classical harpist, performing regularly for CBC national broadcasts, and for Radio Canada. Caroline's recordings include: Panache with mezzo soprano Julie Nesrallah, Impressionism by the Para Arpa harp duo, A Conte de Noel, Musique de salons en Bretagne for Radio Canada, and Ceremony of Carols by Benjamin Britten, with the Ottawa Board of Education Central Choirs under the direction of Barbara Clark. Caroline's solo recording El Dorado received a Juno nomination for Classical Album of the Year - Solo or Chamber Ensemble. The recording featured compositions by Canadian composer Marjan Mozetich.

Caroline is a member of several chamber ensembles including the Four Seasons Harp Quartet with harpists Jennifer Swartz, Lori Gemmell and Caroline Lizotte, Para Arpa harp duo with Caroline Lizotte, flute & harp with Leslie Newman, and with mezzo soprano Julie Nesrallah. Caroline has performed in ensemble at numerous chamber festivals.

Choral work is a passion for Caroline and has performed a wide range of repertoire with numerous choral ensembles. The 2005 Evergreen Wishes CBC produced concert of the Ottawa Children’s Choir and Caroline performing John Rutter’s Dancing Day received a Gabriel Award.

Caroline is the Principal Harpist with the Ottawa Symphony and Orchestre symphonique de Gatineau. She has also performed with the Montreal Symphony, the Quebec Symphony, the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony, the London (Ontario) Symphony, Symphony Nova Scotia, and the Opera Lyra in Ottawa.

Caroline enjoys teaching a full studio of harp students, including the harp ensemble at the Ottawa Youth Orchestra, Ashbury College.